Government Liaison Associate

Overview

Manage relations with government authorities and assist in protocol matters.

You have:

• 3 years of relevant experience with High School Diploma or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor degree or higher
• Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English.
• Good knowledge of UNHCR operations and good political awareness.
• Proven ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues and develop innovative solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders including Government officials.
• Experience in the UN system is desirable.

Deadline for Applications

November 15, 2025Hardship Level

E (most hardship)Family Type

Non Family with Residential LocationFamily Type

Non Family with Residential LocationDanger PayResidential location (if applicable)

Nairobi (CO), KenyaGrade

GS6Staff Member / Affiliate Type

General ServiceReason

Regular > Regular AssignmentTarget Start Date

2026-01-01Standard Job Description

Government Liaison Associate

Organizational Setting and Work Relationships The Government Liaison Associate is a member of the Government Liaison Unit. S/he normally reports to the (Senior) Government Liaison Officer. The incumbent receives regular guidance and advice from the supervisor. S/he participates in all meetings/working groups related to the Government and to provide support on coordination work on common processes. Under the supervision of the (Senior) Government Liaison Officer, the responsibilities of the Government Liaison Associate is to give, obtain and exchange information requiring discussions and explanations both to UNHCR staff members, Government authorities and other external parties on subject matters which may be of importance to the Organization.

All UNHCR staff members are accountable to perform their duties as reflected in their job description. They do so within their delegated authorities, in line with the regulatory framework of UNHCR which includes the UN Charter, UN Staff Regulations and Rules, UNHCR Policies and Administrative Instructions as well as relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, staff members are required to discharge their responsibilities in a manner consistent with the core, functional, cross-functional and managerial competencies and UNHCR's core values of professionalism, integrity and respect for diversity.

Duties - Assist in the establishment of close working relations with officials in various ministries especially Ministry of Foreign Affairs. - Keep track of evolving issues concerning asylum seekers, stateless persons and refugees within the Area of Responsibility (AoR). - Ensure that the office is kept informed of local and international developments which may have a political or operational impact on the office's relation with the Government, including latest developments with regard to the implementation of the GCR, UN reform etc. - Inform the supervisor and/or other senior managers on a continuing basis of relevant information on the outcome of discussions with government authorities on various issues. - Assist senior management in dealing with the challenges posed by the political context, developments with the Government and issues related to humanitarian and development processes. - Accompany the Representative/Deputy Representative/Head of Office and Headquarters visitors on missions and meetings. - Assist in preparation for different visits and missions to the Operation. - Liaise with Government partners and local authorities on behalf of UNHCR, as required. - Draft correspondence and reports as required and assist in the drafting of briefing notes, background material, talking points, fact sheets, as required. - Manage budget, when requested, including tracking expenditures. - Initiate upon request of the supervisor the contact with the relevant external parties on various issues. - Coordinate with different units in the office that information presented to government authorities is duly verified and endorsed by the supervisor.

- Support the identification and management of risks and seek to seize opportunities impacting objectives in the area of responsibility. Ensure decision making in risk based in the functional area of work. Raise risks, issues and concerns to a supervisor or to relevant functional colleague(s). - Perform other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Education & Professional Work Experience Years of Experience / Degree Level For G6 - 3 years relevant experience with High School Diploma; or 2 years relevant work experience with Bachelor or equivalent or higher

Field(s) of Education Not applicable.

Certificates and/or Licenses Political/Social Science; Business Administration; or other relevant field; (Certificates and Licenses marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Relevant Job Experience Essential Not specified. Desirable Good knowledge of UNHCR operations and good political awareness.

Functional Skills MS-Drafting, Documentation, Data Presentation MS-Networking CO-Cross-cultural communication; (Functional Skills marked with an asterisk* are essential)

Language Requirements For International Professional and Field Service jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English. For National Professional jobs: Knowledge of English and UN working language of the duty station if not English and local language. For General Service jobs: Knowledge of English and/or UN working language of the duty station if not English.

All UNHCR workforce members must individually and collectively, contribute towards a working environment where each person feels safe, and empowered to perform their duties. This includes by demonstrating no tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse, harassment including sexual harassment, sexism, gender inequality, discrimination and abuse of power.

As individuals and as managers, all must be proactive in preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct, support ongoing dialogue on these matters and speaking up and seeking guidance and support from relevant UNHCR resources when these issues arise.

This is a Standard Job Description for all UNHCR jobs with this job title and grade level. The Operational Context may contain additional essential and/or desirable qualifications relating to the specific operation and/or position. Any such requirements are incorporated by reference in this Job Description and will be considered for the screening, shortlisting and selection of candidates.

Desired Candidate Profile

Nature of the Position:

The incumbent of this position reports to the Assistant Government Liaison Officer and will be responsible for the routine follow up on Protocol related issues with the relevant government authorities and other related stakeholders. The incumbent should be a well-rounded self-motivated individual and is able supervise colleagues in the absence of the Supervisor. The incumbent is required to stay abreast of political developments in the country and the region that may have an impact on the operation of UNHCR in Sudan.

The Protocol Unit and due to the Sudan crisis has come under increased pressure to provide operation wide support to ensure the timely movement of personnel into, within and out of the country. The Unit is responsible to ensure that the legal status of staff members within the country is always maintained. In an ever-evolving environment where new policies and procedures are introduced and developed, the Unit requires a robust workforce that can rise to the challenge and facilitate the work, movement and necessary government documents to support UNHCR’s mandate.

Challenges resulting from additional government policies and restrictions create a high workload, thus requiring well-trained personnel to always equip the Protocol Unit to ensure the smooth operation of the organization. UNHCR’s critical work demands the continuous support of the Protocol Unit and its staff, hence the need for dedicated, reliable and always available staff who can act as back-up during vacations and other absences of colleagues to ensure that the service-level provided to the organization is not compromised. The incumbent must possess the flexibility and ability to adapt to the nature of the Unit’s fast-paced work environment.

Desired Candidate Profile:

The incumbent will be responsible for the routine follow up on Protocol related issues with the relevant government authorities and other related stakeholders. The incumbent should be self-motivated and can follow up on Protocol related issues with the minimum required supervision if needed and can work well within a team environment and under pressure. He/she will be supervised by the Assistant Government Liaison Officer and will also act as a backup whenever required. The incumbent will have a minimum of three years of protocol experience, and should possess leadership skills to enable Him/ Her to act as a backup for the Head of Unit.

The incumbent should possess thorough operational experience, a solid understanding of UNHCR roles and responsibilities in refugees and IDPs response. He/she will be expected to have demonstrated good experience in working within teams as well as fostering a collaborative work environment. The incumbent should exhibit a proven ability to analyze complex situations, identify key issues and develop innovative solutions.

The incumbent should possess excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with a wide range of stake holders including Government officials and has previous experience in Protocol related areas with embassies, UN agencies and other relevant entities. Strong IT and communication skills including written and verbal proficiency in English.

The Government Liaison Associate will act as the OIC in the absence of the Supervisor. The Associate will have the following additional duties:

• Focal point for the staff entitlements with MFA Immunities department. • In charge of Stay Permit list. • In charge of Ministerial VIP for Senior Management and VIP Missions. • Follow up with team to ensure a better quality of the Unit’s tracking lists and record in the cloud on monthly basis. • Clear all staff checkout forms.

Additional Assets:

1. Experience in the UN system is desirable.
2. Previous experience with Government Liaison.
3. Strong Microsoft skills and computer knowledge.
4. Filling and archiving experience.Required languages (expected Overall ability is at least B2 level):

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Desired languages

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Operational context

Occupational Safety and Health Considerations:

Nature of Position:

Living and Working Conditions:

Additional Qualifications

Skills

CO-Cross-cultural communication, CO-Drafting and Documentation, SO-NetworkingEducation

Certifications

Business Administration - Other, Political Science - Other, Social Sciences - OtherWork Experience

Competencies

Accountability, Client & results orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Communication, Empowering & building trust, Negotiation & conflict resolution, Organizational awareness, Political awareness, Stakeholder management, Teamwork & collaborationUNHCR Salary Calculator

https://icsc.un.org/Home/SalaryScales

Compendium

Additional Information

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.Functional clearance

This position doesn't require a functional clearance

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Potential interview questions

Added 6 months ago - Updated 6 months ago - Source: unhcr.org